High frequency of IgG antagonizing follicle-stimulating hormone-stimulated steroidogenesis in infertile women with a good response to exogenous gonadotropins.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the presence of FSH-blocking IgG in infertile women.


METHODS
Retrospective study. Sera from patients and controls were processed for IgG purification, and purified IgG were tested at various concentrations for their ability to inhibit the recombinant human FSH-induced P production in vitro by human granulosa cells.


METHODS
Departments of Endocrinology, and Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Caen.


METHODS
Fifty-seven infertile women including 14 women with premature ovarian failure (POF), 29 women with a poor response to IVF-ET, and 14 women with a good response to IVF-ET. Controls consisted of 22 healthy age-matched women.


METHODS
IVF-ET allowed human granulosa cell pooling and culture for FSH bioassay.


METHODS
Inhibition by purified IgG of the in vitro recombinant human FSH-induced P production by human granulosa cells.


RESULTS
Blocking IgG were identified in only 3 of 14 POF and in 2 of 29 women with a poor response to IVF-ET. In contrast, IgG from women with a good response to IVF-ET inhibited significantly P production, and blocking IgG were detected in 85% women with a good response to IVF-ET.


CONCLUSIONS
This study identified FSH-blocking IgG in a high proportion of women with a good response to IVF-ET. The significance of this remains questionable.
Reznik
Y
Y
Service d'Endocrinologie, CHU Côte de Nacre, Caen, France.
Benhaïm
A
A
Morello
R
R
Herlicoviez
M
M
Ballet
J J
JJ
Mahoudeau
J
J
D000328:Adult; D004624:Embryo Transfer; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006728:Hormones / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000502:physiology*; D007247:Infertility, Female / Q000097:blood / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy*; D016649:Primary Ovarian Insufficiency / Q000097:blood / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D011374:Progesterone / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors* / Q000096:biosynthesis; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D012016:Reference Values; D012189:Retrospective Studies
D006728:Hormones; D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D011374:Progesterone; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone